U.S. patent number 10,101,071 [Application Number 13/703,050] was granted by the patent office on 2018-10-16 for refrigerator with ice maker.
This patent grant is currently assigned to LG Electronics Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is Moongyo Jung, Bongjin Kim, Seongjae Kim, Seunghwan Oh. Invention is credited to Moongyo Jung, Bongjin Kim, Seongjae Kim, Seunghwan Oh.
United States Patent |
10,101,071 |
Oh , et al. |
October 16, 2018 |
Refrigerator with ice maker
Abstract
Provided is a refrigerator with an ice maker. The ice maker
includes an ice tray formed of a metal material, the ice tray
providing an ice making space in which water for making an ice is
supplied to make the ice and a resin layer formed of a plastic
resin, the resin layer defining at least portion of the ice making
space to smoothly convey the ice.
Inventors: |
Oh; Seunghwan (Seoul,
KR), Jung; Moongyo (Seoul, KR), Kim;
Bongjin (Seoul, KR), Kim; Seongjae (Seoul,
KR) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Oh; Seunghwan
Jung; Moongyo
Kim; Bongjin
Kim; Seongjae |
Seoul
Seoul
Seoul
Seoul |
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A |
KR
KR
KR
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
LG Electronics Inc. (Seoul,
KR)
|
Family
ID: |
45098556 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/703,050 |
Filed: |
June 10, 2011 |
PCT
Filed: |
June 10, 2011 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/KR2011/004291 |
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: |
February 28, 2013 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO2011/155801 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
December 15, 2011 |
Prior Publication Data
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|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20130152617 A1 |
Jun 20, 2013 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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|
|
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Jun 10, 2010 [KR] |
|
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10-2010-0054860 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25C
1/24 (20130101); F25C 5/08 (20130101); F25C
2400/02 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F25C
1/12 (20060101); F25C 1/22 (20180101); F25C
1/24 (20180101); F25C 5/08 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;62/351,340,344
;249/114.1,105,119,203,129 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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1766469 |
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May 2006 |
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CN |
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1 653 170 |
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May 2006 |
|
EP |
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1653178 |
|
May 2006 |
|
EP |
|
1 696 190 |
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Aug 2006 |
|
EP |
|
1798500 |
|
Jun 2007 |
|
EP |
|
2001-133094 |
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May 2001 |
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JP |
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2002-286337 |
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Oct 2002 |
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JP |
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2002-364960 |
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Dec 2002 |
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JP |
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2003-065641 |
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Mar 2003 |
|
JP |
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2005-090814 |
|
Apr 2005 |
|
JP |
|
2005-180823 |
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Jul 2005 |
|
JP |
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2007-057198 |
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Mar 2007 |
|
JP |
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2008-304101 |
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Dec 2008 |
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JP |
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10-0255951 |
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May 2000 |
|
KR |
|
10-2005-0022066 |
|
Mar 2005 |
|
KR |
|
WO 2005/061974 |
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Jul 2005 |
|
WO |
|
Other References
International Search Report dated Feb. 10, 2012 for Application No.
PCT/KR2011/004291, 2 pages. cited by applicant .
Chinese Office Action and Search Report dated Apr. 21, 2014 for CN
Application No. 201180028580.X, with partial English Translation,
10 pages. cited by applicant .
Extended European Search Report issued in European Application No.
11792712.9 dated Aug. 17, 2016, 8 pages. cited by
applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Jules; Frantz
Assistant Examiner: Tadesse; Martha
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Fish & Richardson P.C.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A refrigerator, comprising: a cabinet defining a storage space;
and an ice maker disposed in the storage space, the ice maker being
configured to make ice, wherein ice maker comprises: an ice tray
configured to receive water for making the ice, the ice tray being
formed of a metal material and including: a container part defining
a single water storing space in a substantially semi-cylindrical
shape, a shaft part protruding from a side surface of the container
part; a plurality of pushers integrally protruding from a rear
upper end of the container part towards a center of the container
part; a driving unit coupled to the shaft part of the ice tray and
configured to rotate the ice tray to thereby separate the ice from
the ice tray, the driving unit including: a motor housing; a
driving motor disposed inside the motor housing and configured to
generate a rotation force; and a deceleration gear coupled to the
driving motor and the shaft part and configured to transfer
decelerated rotation force to the shaft part; a partition plate
received in the single water storing space of the container part,
wherein the container part is rotatably assembled to the partition
plate to separate the ice from the container part, the partition
plate including: a fixed part that has a bar shape and that extends
in a same direction as that of the shaft part of the ice tray,
wherein the ice tray rotates with respect to the fixed part by the
driving unit, a plurality of partition plate parts extending from
an outer surface of the fixed part with a predetermined distance in
a longitudinal direction of the fixed part to partition the single
water storing space of the container part into a plurality of ice
making spaces, and a stopper part extending radially from the outer
surface of the fixed part in a plate shape to cover an entire top
surface of sides of the partition plate parts to stop the ice from
being rotated together with the container part of the ice tray,
wherein a lower end of each partition plate part is spaced apart
from an inner surface of the container part of the ice tray to
define a water channel therebetween, and the fixed part is arranged
to pass through the shaft part and is fixed to the motor housing of
the driving unit to allow the container part to rotate about the
fixed part for ice separation, wherein the partition plate parts
are maintained in a fixed state while the container part rotates to
thereby first separate a bottom surface of ice pieces in the ice
making spaces from the inner surface of the container, and wherein
each of the plurality of pushers is disposed between the partition
plate parts and configured to push an upper surface of the ice
pieces to thereby separate side surfaces of the ice pieces from the
partition plate parts after the bottom surface of the ice pieces
has been separated by the rotation of the container part.
2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a
resin layer formed of a resin, the resin layer defining at least a
portion of the inner surface of the container part of the ice tray
to smoothly convey the ice.
3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the resin layer
is coated on the molded ice tray.
4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the ice maker
further comprises a heater for heating a surface of the container
part of the ice tray.
5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the pusher
protrudes in plurality in a tooth shape, and the plurality of the
pushers are disposed on an opening end of a side of the container
part of the ice tray with a predetermined distance away from each
other.
6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of
pushers respectively pass between adjacent partition plate parts to
push the other end of the upper surface of the ice.
7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein the stopper part
is disposed on a side at which the pusher of the ice tray is
disposed and the stopper part.
8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the stopper part
connects top surfaces of the partition plate parts to each other to
stop rotation of the ice together with the ice tray.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a U.S. National Phase Application under 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 371 of International Application PCT/KR2011/004291,
filed on Jun. 10, 2011, which claims the benefit of Korean
Application No. 10-2010-0054860, filed on Jun. 10, 2010, the entire
content of the prior applications is hereby incorporated by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
Embodiments relate to a refrigerator with an ice maker.
BACKGROUND ART
In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance that can store foods
at a low temperature in an internal storage space shield by a door.
The refrigerator cools the inside of the storage space using cool
air generated by heat-exchanging with a refrigerant that circulates
a cooling cycle to store the foods in an optimum state.
An ice maker for making an ice is disposed inside the typical
refrigerator. In the ice maker, water supplied from a water supply
source or a water tank is received in the ice tray to make the ice.
Also, the ice maker may convey the ice from the made ice tray using
a heating method or a twisting method.
In case of the ice maker in which the made ice is conveyed using
the heating method, the ice tray is formed of a metal material
having superior heat transfer performance. Also, a heater is
disposed on the ice tray. When the made ice is conveyed, the heater
generates heat to melt a surface of the ice, thereby easily
separating the ice from the ice tray.
In the ice maker having the above-described structure, since the
ice tray is formed of the metal material having the superior heat
transfer performance, a large amount of ices may be quickly made.
On the other hand, since the heater generates heat during the
conveying of the ice, a load may occur in the refrigerator to
increase power consumption.
In case of the ice maker in which the made ice is conveyed using
the twisting method, the ice tray is formed of a plastic material.
When the made ice is conveyed, the ice may be separated from the
ice maker due to the twisting of the ice tray.
In the ice maker having the above-described structure, since a
separate load does not occur in the refrigerator, the power
consumption may be relatively low. On the other hand, since thermal
conductivity of the ice tray is low, an ice making amount may be
relatively small.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
Embodiments provide a refrigerator with an ice maker in which a
resin layer formed of a resin material is disposed on an ice tray
formed of a metal material to improve ice making performance and
reduce power consumption.
Solution to Problem
In one embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a cabinet defining a
storage space; and an ice maker disposed in the storage space, the
ice maker making an ice, wherein ice maker includes: an ice tray
receiving water for making the ice, the ice tray being formed of a
metal material and defining an ice making space in which the ice is
made; and a resin layer formed of a resin, the resin layer defining
at least portion of an inner surface within the ice making space of
the ice tray to smoothly convey the ice.
A partition plate for partitioning the ice making space into a
plurality of spaces may be disposed in the ice tray.
A portion of the ice tray may protrude to form the partition
plate.
The partition plate may be disposed in the ice maker so that at
least portion of the partition plate is spaced from the inner
surface of the ice tray.
The partition plate may be formed by the resin layer protruding
toward the inside of the storage space.
The partition plate may include: a protrusion part protruding at a
side of the ice tray; and an extension part in which the resin
layer extends from an end of the protrusion part.
The resin layer may be disposed on the inner surface of the ice
tray and an outer surface of the partition plate.
The resin layer may surround the ice making space and a
circumference surface of the ice making space.
The resin layer may be coated on the molded ice tray.
The resin layer and the ice tray may be manufactured through
separate processes, and the resin layer may adhere or be fused to
the ice tray.
The resin layer and the ice tray may be manufactured through
separate processes, and the resin layer may be shapely coupled to
the ice tray.
The resin layer may be manufactured on the molded ice tray using an
insertion injection process.
The ice maker may further include a driving unit coupled to the ice
tray to rotate the ice tray.
The ice maker may include: an ejector rotated to convey the ice
within the ice making space; and a driving unit coupled to the
ejector, the driving unit rotating the ejector.
The ice maker may further include a heater for heating a surface of
the ice made in the ice tray.
The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the
accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features
will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
According to the proposed embodiments, the ice tray may be formed
of the metal material having the superior heat transfer performance
to quickly freeze the water received in the ice tray, thereby
making ices.
Also, the resin layer disposed on the ice tray may have very
superior water-repellency when compared to that of a metal. Thus,
the ice may be easily separated from the ice tray without heating
the made ice when the ice is conveyed.
Thus, since the ice making amount is secured for a relatively short
time due to the quick ice making operation, the ice making
performance may be improved. Also, since the heater is not used
when the ice is conveyed, an occurrence of the load within the
refrigerator may be minimized to reduce the power consumption.
Also, since the heater used for conveying the ice from the ice tray
is omitted, the remaining water generated when the ice is conveyed
may not be generated. Thus, it may prevent the ices stored under
the ice tray from getting tangled with each other. In addition,
quality of the made ice may be improved.
The heater for heating the ice made in the ice maker including the
resin layer may be further disposed on the ice tray. Here, since
the resin layer assists the conveying of the ice, the heating time
of the heater may be minimized. Therefore, the ice may be
effectively conveyed and the power consumption may be reduced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an
embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a state in which a door of the
refrigerator is opened.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an ice maker according to an
embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the ice maker.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5' of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6' of FIG. 4.
FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating a variation of a temperature per
unit time according to on a thickness of a resin layer when an ice
making process is performed in the refrigerator according to an
embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating a time to reach about 12 degrees
below zero according to the thickness of the resin layer when the
ice making process is performed in the refrigerator according to an
embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a graph of a set temperature reaching time according to
the thickness of the resin layer when the ice making process is
performed in the refrigerator according to an embodiment.
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an ice tray according to
an embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a sectional view of an ice tray according to another
embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a sectional view of an ice tray according to another
embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a sectional view of an ice tray according to another
embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a sectional view of an ice tray according to another
embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an ice maker according to another
embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the ice maker.
FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view of the ice maker.
FIG. 18 is a schematic view of a control unit according to another
embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating an ice making
process of the ice maker.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating an ice maker of FIG. 1
according to another embodiment.
FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken along line 21-21' of FIG. 20.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a back surface of the ice
maker.
FIG. 23 is a schematic view of a control unit according to another
embodiment.
FIG. 24 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating an ice making
process of the ice maker.
MODE FOR THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference
to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an
embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a state in which a door
of the refrigerator is opened.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerator 1 according to an
embodiment includes a cabinet 10 defining a storage space therein
and a door 20 opening and closing the storage space. An outer
appearance of the refrigerator 1 is defined by the cabinet 10 and
the door 20.
In detail, the cabinet 10 has the vertically partitioned storage
space. Here, a refrigerating compartment 12 is defined in an upper
portion of the storage space, and a freezing compartment 14 is
defined in a lower portion of the storage space. Receiving members
such as drawers, shelves, and baskets may be disposed inside the
refrigerating compartment 12 and the freezing compartment 14.
The door includes a refrigerating compartment door 22 shielding the
refrigerating compartment 12 and a freezing compartment door 24
shielding the freezing compartment 14. The refrigerating
compartment door 22 includes a pair of left and right doors. The
refrigerating compartment door 22 may be rotatably opened or
closed. The freezing compartment door 24 may be withdrawn in a
drawer-type.
The disposition and of the refrigerating compartment 12 and the
freezing compartment 14 and a shape of the door 20 may be changed
according to a kind of refrigerator. However, the present
disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the current
embodiment may be applied to various kinds of refrigerators.
An ice making chamber 30 for making ices is defined in the
refrigerating compartment door 22. The ice making chamber 30 is
defined as an insulated independent space in the refrigerating
compartment door 22. Also, the ice making chamber is defined as a
space in which ices are made by cool air supplied from an
evaporator and stored therein.
An ice maker 100 for making ices is disposed inside the ice making
chamber 30. Water may be automatically supplied into the ice maker
100 from the refrigerator or a water supply source of the
refrigerator. Also, when an ice making operation is completed, the
made ices may be automatically conveyed. An ice bank 40 in which
the made ices are conveyed from the ice maker 100 and stored
therein may be disposed under the ice maker 100.
A dispenser 26 for dispensing the made ices to the outside may be
disposed on a front surface of the refrigerating compartment door
22 including the ice making chamber 30. The dispenser 26 may
communicate with the ice making chamber 30. Also the dispenser 26
may be configured to dispense purified water.
The ice making chamber 30 may be defined within the refrigerating
compartment. In this case, the ice making chamber may communicate
with the dispenser 26 in a state where the refrigerator compartment
door 22 is closed.
The ice maker 100 may be disposed within the ice making chamber 30
as well as the freezing compartment door 24 or the refrigerating
compartment 14. Alternatively, the ice maker 100 may be disposed in
various positions at which ices can be made such as the inside of
the refrigerator or an inner surface of the refrigerator.
Also, the ice maker 100 may be variously manufactured according to
a water supply method and an ice conveying method. The ice maker
100 may be disposed on the refrigerating compartment, the freezing
compartment, or the door. However, the present disclosure is
limited thereto. For example, the embodiment may be applied to
various ice makers including an ice tray in which water for making
ices is received to make ices.
Hereinafter, an ice maker in which water is automatically supplied
and ices are automatically conveyed will be described as an
example.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an ice maker according to an
embodiment. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the ice
maker.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the ice maker 100 may include a driving
unit 110, an ice tray 150, and an ejector 120.
In detail, the driving unit 110 is disposed at a side of the ice
maker 100. The driving unit 110 includes an electric motor and a
plurality of gears to rotate the ejector 120.
The ejector 120 is connected to a side of the driving unit 110. The
ejector 120 separates the ices made on the ice tray from the ice
try. The ejector 120 includes an ejector shaft 122 rotatably
connected to a side of the driving unit 110 and an ejector pin 124
extending from the ejector shaft 122 to draw ices upward.
An ice-full state detection unit 130 may be disposed on the other
side of the driving unit 110. The ice-full state detection unit 130
may be rotated by the driving unit 110 to detect an ice-full state
of the ices stored in the ice bank 40.
A stripper 140 may be further disposed on a top surface of the ice
tray 150. The stripper 140 may cover a portion of the opened top
surface of the ice tray 150. Also, a portion of the stripper 140
may be cut to allow the ejector 120 to pass. The stripper 140 may
be formed of an elastically deformable material.
The stripper 140 prevents water received in the ice tray 150 from
overflowing. Also, when the ices are conveyed by the ejector 120,
the stripper 140 may guide the conveyed ices to move the ices into
a front side of the ice tray 150.
The ice tray 150 is disposed at a side of the driving unit 110. The
ice tray 150 defines an ice making space in which water for making
ices is supplied and ices are made. The ice tray 150 may be formed
of a metal material having superior heat transfer performance such
as aluminum or an aluminum alloy.
The ice making space 152 of the ice tray 150 may be partitioned
into a plurality of spaces by a plurality of partition plates 154.
The partition plates 154 protrude from an inner surface of the ice
tray 150 to extend up to a predetermined length. Also, the
partition plates 154 may be disposed so that at least portion
thereof is disposed at a relatively low position to uniformly
supply the supplied water into the partitioned spaces thereof.
A fixing part 156 may be disposed at a side of the ice try 150 to
fix the ice tray 150 or the ice maker 100 to the inside of the ice
making chamber 30.
A water supply part 160 for supplying the automatically supplied
water into the ice tray 150 may be further disposed under the ice
tray 150. Also, although not shown, a temperature sensor and for
detecting a temperature of the ice tray 150 and a temperature
sensor for detecting a temperature of the inside of the ice making
chamber 30 may be further provided. As necessary, a heater (not
shown) for heating the ice tray 150 when the ices are conveyed may
be further disposed under the ice tray 150.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5' of FIG. 4. FIG. 6
is a sectional view taken along line 6-6' of FIG. 4.
Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a resin layer is disposed on the ice
tray 150. The resin layer 170 defines at least portion of the ice
making space of the ice tray 150. The resin layer may be formed of
a plastic resin material.
In detail, the resin layer 170 may smoothly separate the made ices
from the ice tray 150. The resin layer 170 may be formed of a
water-repellent fluorocarbon resin, silicon, or polypropylene
(PP).
The resin layer 170 may have a thickness changed according to
materials. For example, when the resin layer 170 is formed of a
Teflon material, the resin layer 170 may have a thickness of about
1 mm. Here, the thickness of the resin layer 170 may be adequately
adjusted according to various conditions such as materials of the
resin layers 170, a set time for making ices, and a
temperature.
The resin layer 170 defines the ice making space 152 of the ice
tray 150. The resin layer 170 may contact water received in the ice
making space 152. Thus, the water-repellent resin layer 170 may
smoothly separate the ices from the ice tray 150 when an external
force is applied in a state where the ices are made in the ice
making space 152.
The resin layer 170 may be disposed on an inner surface of the ice
tray 150. The resin layer 170 may be disposed in the whole ice
making space 152 of a portion of the ice making space 152. The
resin layer 170 may be disposed on an outer surface of each of the
partition plates 154.
The resin layer 170 may be closely attached to the inner surface of
the ice tray 150. For this, the resin layer 170 may be coated on
the previously formed ice tray 150.
In detail, a plastic resin material may be coated on the inner
surface of the ice tray 150 previously formed of a metal material
through a spraying, painting, or dipping method to form the resin
layer 170.
The resin layer 170 is closely attached to the inside of the ice
tray 150 to define at least portion of the ice making space 152.
Also, the resin layer 170 may be smoothly heat-exchanged with the
water within the ice making space 152. As necessary, the resin
layer 170 may be formed together with the ice tray 150 through an
insertion injection method.
The resin layer 170 may be disposed on the whole ice making space
152 in which the water is received. Also, the resin layer 170 may
surround the whole partition plate 154. Alternatively, the resin
layer 170 may be disposed on a portion of a region of the ice tray
150 one-to-one corresponding to a portion of the ice making space
152 or a portion of the partition plate 154.
An operation of the refrigerator including the above-described
parts will be described below.
Cool air generated when the refrigerator 1 is operated may be
supplied into the ice making chamber 30 to cool the inside of the
ice making chamber 30. Also, water for making ices may be supplied
into the ice tray 150.
When an adequate amount of water is supplied into the ice making
space 152 defined in the ice tray 150, a preparing process for
making an ice is completed. In this state, when the cool air is
continuously supplied, the water received into the ice tray 150 may
be gradually converted into an ice.
Here, when it is determined that a temperature of the ice tray 150
reaches a temperature at which the ice making process is completed,
the ejector 120 is rotated by the operation of the driving unit
110. Then, the ejector 120 is rotated to allow the ejector pin 124
to draw the ice within the ice making space 152 upward.
Here, the ice made in the ice tray 150 may contact the resin layer
170. Since the ice contacting the resin layer 170 is disposed on a
smooth surface of the water-repellent resin layer 170, the ice may
be smoothly separated from the ice making space 152 by a force
applied to the ejector 120.
The ice stored in the ice bank 40 may be maintained in a state
stored within the ice bank 40 before the dispenser 26 is operated.
Then, the processes of supplying water and conveying ices into the
ice tray 150 are repeatedly performed until an ice-full state is
detected by the operation of the ice-full state detection sensor
130.
FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating a variation of a temperature per
unit time according to on a thickness of a resin layer when an ice
making process is performed in the refrigerator according to an
embodiment. FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating a time to reach about 12
degrees below zero according to the thickness of the resin layer
when the ice making process is performed in the refrigerator
according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a graph of a set temperature
reaching time according to the thickness of the resin layer when
the ice making process is performed in the refrigerator according
to an embodiment.
Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, a time at which the ice tray 150 or
water or ice received in the ice tray 150 reaches a set temperature
may be varied according to a thickness of the resin layer 170. In
general, a set temperature for determining whether the ice making
process is completed will be described below based on the received
water having a temperature of about 12 degrees below zero.
When the resin layer 170 has a thickness of about zero, i.e., when
the resin layer 170 is not disposed on the ice tray 150, it is seen
that it take 21.3 minutes to reach a temperature of about 12
degrees below zero. Also, the more a thickness of the resin layer
170 becomes thicker, the more a time to reach about 12 degrees
below zero becomes longer. For example, when the resin layer 170
has a thickness of about 1.3 mm, it is seen that it take 23.3
minutes to reach a temperature of about 12 degrees below zero.
When the more a thickness of the resin layer 170 becomes thicker,
it is difficult to heat-exchange the ice tray 150 with the water
received for making ices. Thus, it takes a long time to make
ices.
When the resin layer 170 has a very thin thickness, it may be
difficult to form the resin layer 170. In addition, durability of
the resin layer 170 may be reduced. Also, when the resin layer 170
has a very thin thickness, it may be difficult to separate the ices
from the ice tray 150. Accordingly, the thickness of the resin
layer 170 should be set in consideration of following
information.
When the resin layer 170 has a thickness of about 1 mm, it takes
about 22.9 minutes to reach a temperature of about 12 degrees below
zero. Thus, the formability and durability of the resin layer 170
may be secured simultaneously. Also, the ice making process may be
completed within a time of about 23 minutes.
Although the resin layer 170 formed of the fluorocarbon resin is
explained as an example, the present disclosure is not limited
thereto. For example, the resin layer 170 may be formed of another
plastic resin material.
Various embodiments except the foregoing embodiment may be applied.
Hereinafter, another embodiment will be described.
Another embodiment is different from the foregoing embodiment in
that a resin layer and an ice tray are manufactured through
separate processes and coupled to each other. Thus, the parts
except the ice tray and the resin layer are equal to those of the
foregoing embodiment. Thus, the same part will be designated by the
same reference numeral. Also, their detailed descriptions will be
omitted.
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an ice tray according to
an embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 10, an ice tray 200 according to another
embodiment is formed of a metal material. The ice tray 200 may be
formed of aluminum having superior heat conductivity or an aluminum
alloy. An ice making space 210 in which water for making ices is
received is defined inside the ice tray 200. The ice making space
210 may be partitioned by a partition plate 230.
A resin layer 240 is coupled to the ice tray 200. The resin layer
240 is formed of a plastic resin material. The resin layer 240 and
the ice try 200 may be manufactured through separate processes
using material different from each other through separate injection
molding processes.
The resin layer 240 may have a shape corresponding to that of the
inside of the ice tray 200. The resin layer 240 may have a shape
corresponding to at least portion of the ice making space 210
defined in the ice tray 200. Thus, when water is filled in the ice
making space 210, the resin layer 240 contacts the water or made
ice.
The resin layer 240 may be closely attached to an inner surface of
the ice tray 200. Also, the resin layer 240 may be coupled to the
ice tray 200 through thermal fusion. Alternatively, an adhesive
such as a primer may be coated on the resin layer 240 and the ice
tray 200 to couple the ice tray 200 and the resin layer 240 to each
other.
Also, coupling parts 250 having shapes corresponding to each other
and shapely coupled to each other may be disposed on sides of the
resin layer 240 and the ice tray 200, respectively. The coupling
parts 250 may include a tray coupling part 252 having an uneven
shape and a resin layer coupling part 254. When the resin layer 240
is coupled to the ice tray 200, the tray coupling part 252 and the
resin layer coupling part 254 are shapely coupled to each other to
more firmly couple the resin layer 240 to the ice tray 200.
The coupling parts 250 may use the shape of the ice tray 200. In
detail, the resin layer 240 may be formed in a shape corresponding
to that of the ice tray 200 to surround the whole upper portion of
the ice tray 200. Then, the resin layer 240 is shapely coupled to
the ice tray 200 through a forcedly fitting method to fixedly
couple the resin layer 240 to the ice tray 200.
The resin layer 240 may be fixedly coupled to the ice tray 200
through the coupling parts 250. In addition, an adhesive may be
coated between the ice tray 200 and the resin layer 240 or a
thermal fusion process may be performed to couple the ice tray 200
to the resin layer 240.
Various embodiments except the foregoing embodiments may be
applied. Hereinafter, another embodiment will be described.
Another embodiment is different from the foregoing embodiments in
that a resin layer is disposed in an ice tray and at least portion
of a partition plate is defined by a resin layer. Thus, the parts
except the ice tray and the resin layer are equal to those of the
foregoing embodiments. Thus, the same part will be designated by
the same reference numeral. Also, their detailed descriptions will
be omitted.
FIG. 11 is a sectional view of an ice tray according to another
embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 11, an ice tray 300 may be formed of a metal
material. An ice making space 310 in which water is received to
make ices is defined in the ice tray 300. The ice making space 310
defined in the ice tray 300 may be formed as one space.
A resin layer 320 formed of a plastic resin material is disposed
inside the ice tray 300. The resin layer 320 may be formed through
various processes such as the above-described processes of the
foregoing embodiments. Also, the resin layer 320 may define at
least portion of the ice making space 310. Thus, an ice within the
ice tray 300 contacting the resin layer 320 may be smoothly
conveyed.
A portion of the resin layer 320 may extend inside the ice making
space 310 to form a partition plate 322. The partition plate 322
may protrude inward from the ice tray 300 to partition the ice
making space 310.
That is, the inside of the ice tray 300 may be defined as one
space, and the resin layer 320 including the partition plate 322
may be disposed on an inner surface of the ice tray 300 to define
ice making spaces 310 partitioned into a plurality of spaces.
FIG. 12 is a sectional view of an ice tray according to another
embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 12, an ice tray 400 is formed of a metal
material. Also, the ice tray 400 defines an ice making space 410 in
which water is received to make ices. The ice making space 410
defined in the ice tray 400 may be formed as one space.
A plurality of protrusions 432 may be disposed on an inner surface
within the ice making space 410. The protrusions 432 may define a
portion of a partition 430 for partitioning the inside of the ice
tray 400. Each of the protrusions 432 may have a shape protruding
somewhat inward from the ice tray 400.
A resin layer 420 formed of a plastic resin material is disposed
inside the ice tray 400. The resin layer 420 may be formed through
various processes such as the above-described processes of the
foregoing embodiments. Also, the resin layer 420 may define at
least portion of the ice making space 410. Thus, an ice within the
ice tray 400 contacting the resin layer 420 may be smoothly
conveyed.
The resin layer 420 is disposed inside the ice tray 400. The resin
layer 420 extends inward from the ice tray 400 at a position
corresponding to each of the protrusions 432 to form a portion of
the partition plate 430.
In detail, the partition plate 430 partitioning the inside of the
ice tray 400 to define the plurality of ice making spaces 410 may
be formed by the protrusion 432 and a resin layer extension part
434. Here, a portion of the ice tray 400 may extend to form the
protrusion 432, and the resin layer extension part 434 may further
extend from a position corresponding to that of the protrusion
432.
Various embodiments except the foregoing embodiments may be
applied. Hereinafter, another embodiment will be described.
Another embodiment is different from the foregoing embodiments in
that a resin layer and an ice tray are manufactured through
separate processes and the resin layer is disposed on an inner
surface of the ice tray. Thus, the parts except the ice tray and
the resin layer are equal to those of the foregoing embodiments.
Thus, the same part will be designated by the same reference
numeral. Also, their detailed descriptions will be omitted.
FIG. 13 is a sectional view of an ice tray according to another
embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 13, an ice tray 500 is formed of a metal
material. Also, the ice tray 500 defines an ice making space 510 in
which water is received to make ices. The ice making space 510
defined in the ice tray 500 may be defined as one space.
A resin layer 520 formed of a plastic resin material is disposed
inside the ice tray 500. The resin layer 520 may be formed through
various processes such as the above-described processes of the
foregoing embodiments. Also, the resin layer 520 may define at
least portion of the ice making space 510. Thus, an ice within the
ice tray 500 contacting the resin layer 520 may be smoothly
conveyed.
A partition plate 530 for partitioning the ice making space 510
into a plurality of spaces is disposed inside the ice tray 500. The
partition plate 530 and the ice tray 500 may be manufactured
through separate processes.
For example, the partition plate 530 may be formed of a separate
material and disposed on the ice tray 500. Alternatively, the
partition plate 530 may be integrated with an ejector 120 to
partition the inside of the ice tray 500. The partition plate 530
may be fixed to a side of an ice maker except the ice tray 500.
The partition plate 530 may be formed of the same material as that
of the resin layer 520 to more smoothly separate ices when the ices
are conveyed.
FIG. 14 is a sectional view of an ice tray according to another
embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 14, the ice tray 600 is formed of a metal
material. Also, the ice tray 600 defines an ice making space 610 in
which water is received to make ices. The ice making space 610
defined in the ice tray 600 may be defined as one space.
A plurality of protrusions 620 are disposed on an inner surface
within the ice making space 610. Each of the protrusions 620
protrude at a position corresponding to that of the partition plate
630 partitioning the inside of the ice tray 600. Also, at least
portion of each of the protrusions 620 may be spaced from the
partition plate 630.
An outside of the protrusion 620 is covered by a resin layer 640
disposed inside the ice tray 600. The resin layer 640 may be formed
through various processes such as the above-described processes of
the foregoing embodiments. Also, the resin layer 640 may define at
least portion of the ice making space 610. Thus, an ice within the
ice tray 600 contacting the resin layer 640 may be smoothly
conveyed.
A partition plate 630 for partitioning the ice making space 610
into a plurality of spaces is disposed inside the ice tray 600
corresponding to the protrusion 620. The partition plate 630 and
the ice tray 600 may be manufactured through separate
processes.
For example, the partition plate 630 may be formed of a separate
material and disposed on the ice tray 600. Alternatively, the
partition plate 630 may be integrated with an ejector 120 to
partition the inside of the ice tray 600. The partition plate 630
may be fixed to a side of an ice maker except the ice tray 600.
The partition plate 630 may be formed of the same material as that
of the resin layer 640 to more smoothly separate ices when the ices
are conveyed.
Various embodiments except the foregoing embodiments may be
applied. Hereinafter, another embodiment will be described.
Another embodiment is different from the foregoing embodiments in
that an ice tray is rotatably disposed and a resin layer is
disposed inside the ice tray.
Thus, the parts except an ice maker are equal to those of the
foregoing embodiments. Thus, the same part will be designated by
the same reference numeral. Also, their detailed descriptions will
be omitted.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an ice maker according to another
embodiment. FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the ice maker, i.e., a
sectional view taken along line 16-16' of FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is a
longitudinal sectional view of the ice maker and illustrates a
sectional view, i.e., a sectional view taken along line 17-17' of
FIG. 15. FIG. 18 is a schematic view of a control unit according to
another embodiment.
As shown in FIGS. 15 to 18, an ice maker 700 includes a water
supply part 710 connected to a water supply source to supply water,
an ice tray 720 having an ice making space 722 in which the water
supplied from the water supply part 710 is received to perform an
ice making process, a partition plate 730 disposed at an opened
side of the ice tray 720 to partition the ice making space 722 of
the ice tray 720 into a plurality of unit spaces, and a driving
unit 740 disposed at a side of the ice tray 720 to rotate the ice
tray 720, thereby conveying ices.
The water supply part 710 includes a water supply tube 711
connecting the water supply source to the ice making space 722 of
the ice tray 720, a water supply valve 712 disposed on a middle
portion of the water supply tube 711 to adjust a water supply
amount, and a water supply pump 713 disposed on an upstream or
downstream side of the water supply valve 712 to pump the water.
Here, although the water supply pump 713 is required for supplying
a uniform water pressure, it is unnecessary to provide the water
supply pump 713. When the water supply pump 713 is not provided, a
height difference between the water supply source and the ice tray
720 may be used for supplying water.
The water supply tube 711 may be directly connected to the water
supply source to supply water. Alternatively, the water supply tube
711 may be connected to a water tank (not shown) disposed in a
refrigerating compartment 12 and receives a predetermined amount of
water. In this case, the water tank may serve as the water supply
source. Here, to supply an adequate amount of water into the ice
tray 720, a water level sensor may be disposed in the ice tray 720
or a flow sensor for detecting a flow rate of water may be disposed
in the water supply tube 711. Alternatively, a water level sensor
may be disposed in the water tank.
The water supply valve 712 and the water supply pump 713 may be
electrically connected to the separate control unit 760 to
transmit/receive a signal therebetween. The control unit 760 may
adjust a water supply amount based on values detected by the water
level sensor or the flow sensor. Also, the control unit 760 may
convert operation times of the water supply valve 712 and the water
supply pump 713 into data to periodically turn the water supply
valve 712 and the water supply pump 713 on/off.
The ice tray 720 includes a container part 721 providing an ice
making space 7222 which receives water to make ices and a shaft
part 725 protruding from one surface of the container part 721.
The container part 721 has an approximately semi-cylindrical shape
in section to define one ice making space 722. As necessary, a slit
(not shown) may be defined in a circumference direction of the
container part 721 to insert a partition plate part 732 of the
partition plate 730 into an inner surface of the container part
721. A pusher 723 protruding in a tooth shape to push ices into
each of unit spaces is disposed on an opening end of a side of the
container part 721. The shaft part 725 may be disposed at an
approximately central portion of a shaft direction of the container
part 721 and coupled to the driving unit 740 with a decelerator
therebetween.
A resin layer 770 is disposed inside the ice tray 720. The resin
layer 770 may be formed of a plastic resin material, unlike the ice
tray 720 formed of a metal material. In detail, the resin layer 770
may be formed of various materials such as a water-repellent
fluorocarbon resin, silicon, or polypropylene (PP).
The resin layer 770 defines at least portion of the ice making
space 722 defined in the ice tray 720 to contact an ice made in the
ice making space 722. Thus, when the ice is conveyed, the made ice
may be easily separated from the ice tray 720.
The resin layer 770 may be formed through various processes such as
the above-described processes of the foregoing embodiments. Also,
the resin layer 770 may be disposed inside the ice tray 720, the
whole partition plate 730, or a portion of the partition plate
730.
The partition plate 730 includes a fixed part 731 extending in the
same direction as that of the shaft part 725 of the ice tray 720,
having a shaft shape, and fixed to the driving unit 740, a
plurality of partition plates 732 disposed with a predetermined
distance along the shaft direction toward the ice tray 720 to
partition the ice making space 722 into a plurality of unit spaces,
and a stopper part 733 connecting top surfaces of the partition
plates 732 to each other to convey ices within the unit spaces
without being rotated together with the ice tray 720 when the ice
tray 720 is rotated.
As described above, the fixed part 731 has one end integrally
coupled and fixed to a motor housing 741 constituting the driving
unit 740 and the other end rotatably coupled to a center of the
container part 721 of the ice tray 720.
The partition plate part 732 has the same shape as that of the ice
making space 722 when projected in the shaft direction, i.e., has a
semi-cylindrical shape. An outer surface of the partition plate
part 732 may contact an inner surface within the ice making space
722 to reduce a contact area between ices, thereby easily conveying
the ices.
A water channel 735 having a predetermined depth is disposed at a
side of the outer surface of the partition plate part 732, i.e.,
the lowest portion of the partition plate part 732 to move water
into the unit spaces. The water channel 735 may pass through a
center of the partition plate part 732.
As shown in FIG. 16, the stopper part 733 may be disposed on a side
at which the pusher 723 of the ice tray 720 is disposed, i.e., at a
front end when the ice tray 720 is rotated. The stopper part 733
may cover the entire top surface of the sides of the partition
plate parts 732. As necessary, the stopper part 733 may protrude by
a degree enough that the ices are not rotated together with the ice
tray 720. However, since the stopper part 733 prevents water
contained in the ice tray 720 from being splashed, the stopper part
733 may have wide area if possible.
A resin layer formed of the same material as that of the
above-described resin layer may be further disposed on a surface of
the partition plate 730, like the inner surface of the ice tray
720.
The driving unit 740 includes a motor housing 741 fixed to the ice
making chamber 30, a driving motor 742 disposed inside the motor
housing 741 to generate a rotation force, and a deceleration gear
743 coupled to the driving motor 742 to decelerate the rotation
force, thereby transmitting the decelerated rotation force into the
ice tray 720.
The shaft part 725 of the ice tray 720 is rotatably coupled to the
motor housing 741. However, the fixed part 731 of the partition
plate 730 is fixedly coupled to the motor housing 741.
Since ices within the ice tray 720 are separated from the ice maker
700 by the resin layer 770, a separate heater may be unnecessary.
However, a heater 750 may be further disposed on the ice tray 720
as necessary.
The ice tray 720 may be formed of a thermally conductive material
such as aluminum to separate ices from the ice making space 722 of
the ice tray 720, and the heater 750 may be disposed on an outer
surface of the ice tray 720. The heater 750 may include a heating
wire heater contacting the outer surface of the ice tray 720.
The heater 750 may be controlled to cooperate with the water supply
part 710. For example, it is determined whether a process in which
water is supplied into the ice tray 720 to make ices is performed,
whether an ice making process is performed, or whether an ice
conveying process is performed after the ice making process is
completed, based on a variation of the value detected by the water
level sensor or the flow sensor of the water supply part 710. If it
is determined that the process in which the water is supplied into
the ice tray 720 to make the ices is performed or the ice making
process is performed after the water supply is completed, an
operation of the heater 750 may be stopped. However, if it is
determined that the ice conveying process is performed after the
ice making process is completed, the operation of the heater 750
may start.
Here, a time point at which the heater 750 is operated may be
determined by detecting a temperature of the ice tray 720 in
real-time or periodically. A time elapsed after the value detected
by the water level sensor or the flow sensor of the water supply
part 710 is changed may be converted into data. Then, the heater
750 may be forcibly operated according to the data. That is,
whether the ice making process is completed may be confirmed by
detecting the temperature of the ice tray 720 or through the ice
making time. For example, when a temperature detected by a
temperature sensor (not shown) disposed on the ice tray 720 is
below a predetermined temperature, e.g., below a temperature of
about -9.degree. C. to about -12.degree. C., it may be determined
that the ice making process is completed. Also, when a
predetermined time is elapsed after the water is supplied, it may
be determined that the ice making process is completed. Thus,
whether the ice making process is completed may be determined.
Although not shown, the heater 750 may be realized as a conductive
polymer, a plate heater with positive thermal coefficient, an Al
thin film, or other heat-transfer materials except the heating wire
heater.
The heater 750 may be attached to a front surface of the ice tray
720. Also, although not shown, the heater 750 may be filled into
the ice tray 720 or disposed on the inner surface of the inner
surface of the ice tray 720. Furthermore, the ice tray 720 may be
realized as a resistor that can generate heat without using a
separate heater so that the ice tray 720 serves as a heater to
generate heat when electricity is applied to at least portion of
the ice tray 720.
Also, the heater 750 may be spaced a predetermined distance from
the ice tray 720 without contacting the ice tray 720 to serve as a
heat source. For another example, a light source emitting light
onto at least one of the ice and the ice tray 720 or a magnetron
emitting a microwave onto at least one of the ice and the ice tray
720 may be used as the heat source. As described above, the heat
source such as the heater, the light source, or the magnetron may
directly apply heat energy on at least one of the ice and the ice
tray 720 or a boundary between the ice and the ice tray 720 to melt
a portion of the boundary between the ice and the ice tray 720.
Thus, when the ice tray 720 is rotated, the ice may be separated
from the ice tray 720 by a self-weight or the pusher 723 of the ice
tray 720 in a state where the boundary between the ice and the ice
tray 720 does not completely thaw.
The heater 750 and the driving motor 742 may be controlled together
with each other by one control unit 760 electrically connected to
the heater 750 and the driving motor 742, i.e., a Micom (micro
processor unit). For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the control unit
760 may include a detection part 761 connected to a temperature
sensor (not shown) for detecting a temperature of the ice tray 720
or a timer (not shown) for detecting a time elapsed after the water
is supplied, a determination part 762 for determining whether the
ice making process is completed by comparing the temperature and
time detected by the detection part 761 to a reference value, and a
command part 763 for controlling an on/off operation of the heater
750 and an operation of the driving motor 742 according to the
determination of the determination part 762.
An ice supply method in the refrigerator will be described with
reference to FIG. 19.
FIG. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating an ice making
process of the ice maker.
Referring to FIG. 19, when the ice making process is required, the
ice maker 700 is turned on, and thus, the ice making process
starts. When the ice making process starts, the water supply part
710 supplies water into the ice tray 720. Here, a water supply
amount may be detected in real-time using the water level sensor
disposed in the ice tray 720, the flow sensor disposed in the water
supply tube 711, or the water level sensor disposed in the water
tank. The detected water supply amount may be transmitted into the
Micom. The Micom may compare the transmitted water supply amount to
a set water supply amount. Thus, it is determined whether an
adequate amount of water is supplied into the ice tray 720. When it
is determined that the adequate amount of water is supplied, the
water supply valve 712 of the water supply part 710 may be blocked
to prevent the water from flowing into the ice tray 720.
When the water is completely supplied into the ice tray 720, the
water within the ice tray 720 is exposed to cool air supplied into
the ice making chamber 30 for a predetermined time and thus is
frozen. When the water within the ice tray 720 is converted into an
ice, the temperature sensor (not shown) may periodically detect a
temperature of the ice tray 720 or detect the temperature of the
ice tray 720 in real-time to transmit the detected value into the
Micom. The Micom compares the received temperature to a set
temperature. Thereafter, when it is determined whether a surface of
the water contained in the ice tray 720 is frozen, a series of
operations may be stopped and converted into the ice conveying
process.
The resin layer 770 of the ice tray 720 contacts the ice in a state
where the water contained in the ice tray 720 is converted into an
ice. The resin layer 770 may have a smooth surface and water
repellency due to characteristics of material. Thus, the ice
contacting the resin layer 770 may be easily separated from the ice
tray 720.
When the driving motor 742 is operated by the control unit 760 to
rotate the container part 721 of the ice tray 720 with respect to
the shaft part 725, the ices within the unit spaces are blocked by
the stopper part 733 of the partition plate 730. The ices are not
rotated along the ice tray 720. Thus, the ice tray 720 is further
rotated to allow the pusher 723 of the ice tray 720 to pass between
the partition plate parts 732 disposed at a side opposite to that
of the stopper part 733 of the partition plate 730. As a result,
the ices within the unit spaces may be pushed by the rotation force
of the driving motor 742. Thereafter, the ices attached to the
partition plate 730 are separated from the partition plate parts
732 of the partition plate 730 and freely fall down. Then, the ices
may be discharged into the ice bank 40 or directly discharged
toward the dispenser 26.
When the heater 750 is disposed on the ice maker 700, the heater
750 is operated to heat the ice tray 720 when the ices are
conveyed. When the ice tray 720 is heated, the ices contacting the
ice tray 720 may be melted and thus easily separated from the ice
tray 720.
Various embodiments except the foregoing embodiments may be
applied. Hereinafter, another embodiment will be described.
Another embodiment is different from the foregoing embodiments in
that an ice tray is rotated by a driving unit, a resin layer is
disposed within the ice tray, and a stopper for conveying an ice
when an ice making container is rotated is provided.
Thus, the parts except an ice maker are equal to those of the
foregoing embodiments. Thus, the same part will be designated by
the same reference numeral. Also, their detailed descriptions will
be omitted.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating an ice maker of FIG. 1
according to another embodiment. FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken
along line 21-21' of FIG. 20. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a
back surface of the ice maker. FIG. 23 is a schematic view of a
control unit according to another embodiment.
As shown in FIGS. 20 to 23, an ice maker 800 includes a water
supply part 810 connected to a water supply source to supply water,
an ice tray 820 having an ice making space 822 in which the water
supplied from the water supply part 810 is received to perform an
ice making process, a partition plate 830 for partitioning the ice
making space 822 of the ice tray 820 into a plurality of unit
spaces, a stopper 840 disposed at an opened side of the ice tray
820 to convey the ices within the ice tray, and a driving unit 840
disposed at a side of the ice tray 820 to rotate the ice tray 820,
thereby conveying the ices.
The water supply part 810 includes a water supply tube 811
connecting the water supply source to the ice making space 822 of
the ice tray 820, a water supply valve 812 disposed on a middle
portion of the water supply tube 811 to adjust a water supply
amount, and a water supply pump 813 disposed on an upstream or
downstream side of the water supply valve 812 to pump the water.
Here, although the water supply pump 813 is required for supplying
a uniform water pressure, it is unnecessary to provide the water
supply pump 813. When the water supply pump 813 is not provided, a
height difference between the water supply source and the ice tray
820 may be used for supplying water.
The water supply tube 811 may be directly connected to the water
supply source to supply water. Alternatively, the water supply tube
811 may be connected to a water tank (not shown) disposed in a
refrigerating compartment 12 and receives a predetermined amount of
water. In this case, the water tank may serve as the water supply
source. Here, to supply an adequate amount of water into the ice
tray 820, a water level sensor may be disposed in the ice tray 820
or a flow sensor for detecting a flow rate of water may be disposed
in the water supply tube 811. Alternatively, a water level sensor
may be disposed in the water tank.
The water supply valve 812 and the water supply pump 813 may be
electrically connected to the separate control unit 860 to
transmit/receive a signal therebetween. The control unit 860 may
adjust a water supply amount based on values detected by the water
level sensor or the flow sensor. Also, the control unit 860 may
convert operation times of the water supply valve 812 and the water
supply pump 813 into data to periodically turn the water supply
valve 812 and the water supply pump 813 on/off.
The ice tray 820 has an approximately semi-cylindrical shape in
section to define one ice making space 822. A resin layer 821 is
disposed inside the ice tray 820. The resin layer 821 may be formed
of a plastic resin material, unlike the ice tray 820 formed of a
metal material. In detail, the resin layer 821 may be formed of
various materials such as a water-repellent fluorocarbon resin,
silicon, or polypropylene (PP).
The resin layer 821 defines at least portion of the ice making
space 822 defined in the ice tray 820 to contact an ice made in the
ice making space 822. Thus, when the ice is conveyed, the made ice
may be easily separated from the ice tray 820.
The resin layer 821 may be formed through various processes such as
the above-described processes of the foregoing embodiments. Also,
the resin layer 821 may be disposed inside the ice tray 820, the
whole partition plate 830, or a portion of the partition plate
830.
The partition plate 830 may be provided in plurality so that the
plurality of partition plates 830 are disposed with a predetermined
distance along a length direction of the ice tray 820 to partition
the ice making space 822 into a plurality of unit spaces.
Each of the partition plates 830 has the same shape as that of the
ice making space 822 when projected in the shaft direction, i.e.,
has a semi-cylindrical shape. An outer surface of the partition
plate 830 may contact an inner surface within the ice making space
822 to reduce a contact area between ices, thereby easily conveying
the ices.
A water channel 181 having a predetermined depth is disposed at a
side of the outer surface of the partition plate 830, i.e., the
lowest portion of the partition plate 830 to move water into the
unit spaces. At least portion of the partition plate 830 may be
spaced from an inner surface of the ice maker 800 by the formation
of the water channel 181.
The stopper 840 may connect top surfaces of the partition plates
830 to each other and be integrated with the partition plates 830
so that ices within the unit spaces are conveyed without being
rotated together with the ice tray 820 when the ice tray 820 is
rotated. The resin layer 821 may be disposed on a surface of the
stopper 840 and surfaces of the partition plates 830 except the ice
making space 822 within the ice tray 820.
As shown in FIG. 21, the stopper 840 may be disposed at a side
contacting the ice contacts first when the ice tray 820 is rotated.
The stopper 840 may be disposed to cover the entire top surface of
a side of the partition plates 830. As necessary, the stopper 840
may have an uneven shape enough to prevent the ice from being
rotated together with the ice tray 820. However, the stopper 840
may prevent water contained in the ice tray 820 from being splashed
as well as have a wide space between a top surface thereof and the
inner surface of the ice tray 820 so that a water storage space 841
is defined in the wide space and a plate shape so that an end
thereof contacts the inner surface of the ice tray 820.
Also, the stopper 840 may be inclined downward toward the inner
surface of the ice tray 820 so that the water storage space 841 is
defined in the top surface thereof. A blocking part 842 for
preventing water within the water storage space 841 from being
introduced into the ice making space 822 may be disposed on an end
of the inner surface of the stopper 840. Here, the blocking part
842 may have a predetermined height.
The driving unit 850 includes a motor housing 851 fixed to the ice
making chamber 30, a driving motor 852 disposed inside the motor
housing 851 to generate a rotation force, and a deceleration gear
843 coupled to the driving motor 852 to decelerate the rotation
force, thereby transmitting the decelerated rotation force into the
ice tray 820.
Since ices within the ice tray 820 are separated from the ice maker
800 by the resin layer 821, a separate heater may be unnecessary.
However, a heater 870 may be further disposed on the ice tray 820
as necessary.
A frame 860 fixedly coupled to the refrigerator door 20 may be
disposed on a side of the top surface of the partition plate 830,
i.e., a side opposite to that of the stopper 840. A heater
insertion groove 861 may be defined in the frame 860 to locate the
heater 870 used for conveying ices therein.
The frame 860 may be formed of a material such as aluminum having
superior heat conductivity and integrated with the partition plate.
In this case, the partition plate 830 may be formed of an aluminum
material having superior heat conductivity, like the frame 860.
The heat insertion groove 861 may be longitudinally disposed along
a length direction of the ice tray 820.
The heater 870 may be controlled to cooperate with the water supply
part 810. For example, it is determined whether a process in which
water is supplied into the ice tray 820 to make ices is performed,
whether an ice making process is performed, or whether an ice
conveying process is performed after the ice making process is
completed, based on a variation of the value detected by the water
level sensor or the flow sensor of the water supply part 810. If it
is determined that the process in which the water is supplied into
the ice tray 820 to make the ices is performed or the ice making
process is performed after the water supply is completed, an
operation of the heater 870 may be stopped. However, if it is
determined that the ice conveying process is performed after the
ice making process is completed, the operation of the heater 870
may start.
Here, a time point at which the heater 870 is operated may be
determined by detecting a temperature of the ice tray 820 or the
frame 860 in real-time or periodically. A time elapsed after the
value detected by the water level sensor or the flow sensor of the
water supply part 810 is changed may be converted into data. Then,
the heater 870 may be forcibly operated according to the data. That
is, whether the ice making process is completed may be confirmed by
detecting the temperature of the ice tray 820 or the frame 860 or
through the ice making time. For example, when a temperature
detected by a temperature sensor (not shown) disposed on the ice
tray 820 or the frame 860 is below a predetermined temperature,
e.g., below a temperature of about -9.degree. C., it may be
determined that the ice making process is completed. Also, when a
predetermined time is elapsed after the water is supplied, it may
be determined that the ice making process is completed. Thus,
whether the ice making process is completed may be determined.
The heater 870 may have a long rod shape and be inserted into the
heater insertion groove 861 of the frame 860. However, as
necessary, the heater 870 may be realized as a conductive polymer,
a plate heater with positive thermal coefficient, an Al thin film,
or other heat-transfer materials except the heating wire
heater.
Also, the heater 870 may be spaced a predetermined distance from
the frame 860 without contacting the frame 860 to serve as a heat
source. For another example, a light source emitting light onto at
least one of the ice and a manner contacting the ice or a magnetron
emitting a microwave onto at least one of the ice and the manner
contacting the ice may be used as the heat source. As described
above, the heat source such as the heater, the light source, or the
magnetron may directly apply heat energy on at least one of the ice
and the manner contacting the ice or a boundary between the ice and
the manner to melt a portion of the boundary between the ice and
the manner. Thus, when the ice tray 820 is rotated, the ice may be
separated from the ice tray 820 by a self-weight or the stopper 840
in a state where the boundary between the ice and the manner does
not completely thaw.
The heater 870 and the driving motor 852 may be controlled together
with each other by one control unit 880 electrically connected to
the heater 870 and the driving motor 852, i.e., a Micom (micro
processor unit). For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit
880 may include a detection part 881 connected to a temperature
sensor (not shown) for detecting a temperature of the ice tray 820
or the frame 860 or a timer (not shown) for detecting a time
elapsed after the water is supplied, a determination part 882 for
determining whether the ice making process is completed by
comparing the temperature and time detected by the detection part
881 to a reference value, and a command part 883 for controlling an
on/off operation of the heater 870 and an operation of the driving
motor 852 according to the determination of the determination part
882.
When the ice maker 800 is disposed in the refrigerator door 20, the
water filled in the ice tray 820 may be poured before the water is
completely frozen when the refrigerator door 20 is opened or
closed. Thus, a cover 890 for prevent the water contained in the
ice tray 820 from overflowing may be further disposed on an upper
portion of the frame 860.
The cover 890 has a semicircular shape protruding in a direction
opposite to that of the ice tray 820 in section. A water supply
hole 891 may be widely defined in a horizontal direction at a
center of an upper end of the cover 890. An elastic part 892 may be
disposed on the cover so that the cover 890 is elastically widened
when the ice tray 820 is rotated.
An ice supply method in the refrigerator will be described with
reference to FIG. 24.
FIG. 24 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating an ice making
process of the ice maker.
Referring to FIG. 24, when the ice making process is required, the
ice maker 800 is turned on, and thus, the ice making process
starts. When the ice making process starts, the water supply part
810 supplies water into the ice tray 820. Here, a water supply
amount may be detected in real-time using the water level sensor
disposed in the ice tray 820, the flow sensor disposed in the water
supply tube 811, or the water level sensor disposed in the water
tank. The detected water supply amount may be transmitted into the
Micom. The Micom may compare the transmitted water supply amount to
a set water supply amount. Thus, it is determined whether an
adequate amount of water is supplied into the ice tray 820. When it
is determined that the adequate amount of water is supplied, the
water supply valve 812 of the water supply part 810 may be blocked
to prevent the water from flowing into the ice tray 820.
When the water is completely supplied into the ice tray 820, the
water within the ice tray 820 is exposed to cool air supplied into
the ice making chamber 30 for a predetermined time and thus is
frozen. When the water within the ice tray 820 is converted into an
ice, the temperature sensor (not shown) may periodically detect a
temperature of the ice tray 820 or detect the temperature of the
ice tray 820 in real-time to transmit the detected value into the
Micom. The Micom compares the received temperature to a set
temperature. Thereafter, when it is determined whether a surface of
the water contained in the ice tray 820 is frozen, a series of
operations may be stopped and converted into the ice conveying
process.
The resin layer 821 of the ice tray 820 contacts the ice in a state
where the water contained in the ice tray 820 is converted into an
ice. The resin layer 821 may have a smooth surface and water
repellency due to characteristics of material. Thus, the ice
contacting the resin layer 821 may be easily separated from the ice
tray 820.
The driving motor 852 is operated by the control unit 880 to rotate
the ice tray 820. Here, the ices which are not completely separated
from the ice tray 820 within the unit spaces may be rotated along
the ice tray 820.
However, the stopper 840 may prevent the ices within the unit
spaces from being rotated along the ice tray 820. Thus, when the
ice tray 820 is rotated, the ices attached to the ice tray 820 are
separated from the ice tray 820 and freely fall down. Then, the
ices may be discharged into the ice bank 40 or directly discharged
toward the dispenser 26.
Here, remaining water may occur due to the melt of an interface of
the ice. The remaining water may be moved in a state where it is
stored in the ice tray 820. Then, the remaining water is introduced
into the water storage space 841 defined between the stopper 840
and the inner surface of the ice tray 820 to prevent the water from
being introduced into the ice bank 40. Thus, it is prevented that
the ices stored in the ice bank 40 get tangled with each other to
reduce quality of ice.
When the heater 870 is disposed in the ice maker 800, the heater
870 may be operated to easily separate the ices made in the ice
tray 820 when the ices are conveyed.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
According to the embodiments, a portion of the ice tray may be
formed of a metal material having superior heat conductivity to
increase an amount of ices. In addition, the ices may be easily
conveyed by the water-repellent resin layer to reduce power
consumption required for conveying the ices. Therefore, industrial
applicability is very high.
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